At a meeting on October 30, the Livery Project formed into three subcommittees to undertake the work of creating a proposal for the DDA to save the livery. Chairpersons and committee members were identified.
The subcommittees are:
grant writing; construction--contamination & structural; fundraising and philanthropy.
Those wishing to join the work of the Livery Project may contact Jan Bernath at 475 5753 and leave contact information. All persons wishing to assist are welcome!
_________________________________________
You can access the new blogspot detailing progress of this new phase, by click on the link in the left column titled:
The Chelsea Livery Project
All new activity will be posted on that site. We hope you continue to follow this effort.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
What Happened at the Forum
Lively City Council Candidates' Forum
The Chamber of Commerce sponsored a City Council Candidates Forum on Wednesday, October 21, from 7 – 9 pm. at the Washington Street Education Center. Those candidates participating in the Forum were: Cheri Albertson, Jason Lindauer (running for mayor unopposed), Ann Fenney, Richard Steele, Frank Hammer, and Kent Martinez-Kratz). Three seats are available, and only Steele is not currently serving on Council Cheri Albertson introduced herself by saying she guides her service to the city using the “five ethical principles” that are incorporated into the city charter. The five principles are: public office is a public trust; independent objective judgment is required; principal accountability is to the citizens; democratic leadership honors citizen input; respectability and fitness for office are required as stewards of the community.
Throughout the Forum, the topic of saving the livery from demolition in preparation for the Downtown Development Authority's Plan B was a frequent topic for discussion. When asked if the five ethical principles had been realized by the city's response to the appeal of the Save the Livery Coalition, Albertson answered “no.” Both Lindauer and Fenney said, “yes.”
When addressing the merit of working with the Chamber of Commerce to list the downtown on the National Register of Historic Places, Albertson explained that there were definite protections afforded the city with no restrictions. For instance, should MDOT decide to widen M52 that would remove street parking on Main Street, a National Designation would be useful. Lindauer claimed to be ignorant of the benefits and would want to see how such designations have affected other communities. Fenney said she had tried this approach some time ago, and it didn't happen due to building owner resistance.
Candidates were asked about their response to Joe Merkel's proposal to the City Council made Oct 13 and to the DDA on Oct 15 for one year stay of demolition of the livery to pull together a group of citizens to work in partnership with the DDA and city to find funding for adaptively reusing the livery. Albertson said she saw no reason that the DDA cannot work with Save the Livery Coalition; Hammer thought that substantial progress would need to be demonstrated by June 1; Martinez-Kratz thought a one year stay was reasonable before a decision is made that can't be reversed. Fenney replied that she didn't think the DDA would grant a one year stay; Steele is unfamiliar with the issue but thought the deadline should not be extended past spring. Fenney suggested that the Save the Livery Coalition buy the Longworth property for $425,000 from the city.
Hammer commented that he thought heritage tourism might be a market niche for Chelsea. Organizing packaged tours where people came to learn about the history of Chelsea and the historic buildings, perhaps have lunch and shop were suggested as possibilities. Albertson added that since Chelsea has motels at which tour people could stay, historic tours could go on to Dexter. Martinez-Kratz encouraged the Chamber to be flexible and open to all options for marketing Chelsea.
Steele believes a parking problem exists in some places. While Hammer agreed, he said he didn't think the destruction of the livery was a way to solve it. Martinez-Kratz commented when identifying places to create more parking, we need to ask, “At what cost?” He feels the true need for more parking is in the Purple Rose area, and that building a two storey structure should be considered.
In terms of the composition of the twelve member DDA, Fenney reported that eight members must have a business interest in the DDA district. Four can be non-business owners who live within the district. There is an application process, and the DDA members are appointed by the mayor. Criteria for appointment include a demonstration of working for the improvement of the community.. In addition to economic development, the DDA's mission includes enhancement of the historic character of the district.
The full two hours of the Forum can be viewed on channel 18.
The Chamber of Commerce sponsored a City Council Candidates Forum on Wednesday, October 21, from 7 – 9 pm. at the Washington Street Education Center. Those candidates participating in the Forum were: Cheri Albertson, Jason Lindauer (running for mayor unopposed), Ann Fenney, Richard Steele, Frank Hammer, and Kent Martinez-Kratz). Three seats are available, and only Steele is not currently serving on Council Cheri Albertson introduced herself by saying she guides her service to the city using the “five ethical principles” that are incorporated into the city charter. The five principles are: public office is a public trust; independent objective judgment is required; principal accountability is to the citizens; democratic leadership honors citizen input; respectability and fitness for office are required as stewards of the community.
Throughout the Forum, the topic of saving the livery from demolition in preparation for the Downtown Development Authority's Plan B was a frequent topic for discussion. When asked if the five ethical principles had been realized by the city's response to the appeal of the Save the Livery Coalition, Albertson answered “no.” Both Lindauer and Fenney said, “yes.”
When addressing the merit of working with the Chamber of Commerce to list the downtown on the National Register of Historic Places, Albertson explained that there were definite protections afforded the city with no restrictions. For instance, should MDOT decide to widen M52 that would remove street parking on Main Street, a National Designation would be useful. Lindauer claimed to be ignorant of the benefits and would want to see how such designations have affected other communities. Fenney said she had tried this approach some time ago, and it didn't happen due to building owner resistance.
Candidates were asked about their response to Joe Merkel's proposal to the City Council made Oct 13 and to the DDA on Oct 15 for one year stay of demolition of the livery to pull together a group of citizens to work in partnership with the DDA and city to find funding for adaptively reusing the livery. Albertson said she saw no reason that the DDA cannot work with Save the Livery Coalition; Hammer thought that substantial progress would need to be demonstrated by June 1; Martinez-Kratz thought a one year stay was reasonable before a decision is made that can't be reversed. Fenney replied that she didn't think the DDA would grant a one year stay; Steele is unfamiliar with the issue but thought the deadline should not be extended past spring. Fenney suggested that the Save the Livery Coalition buy the Longworth property for $425,000 from the city.
Hammer commented that he thought heritage tourism might be a market niche for Chelsea. Organizing packaged tours where people came to learn about the history of Chelsea and the historic buildings, perhaps have lunch and shop were suggested as possibilities. Albertson added that since Chelsea has motels at which tour people could stay, historic tours could go on to Dexter. Martinez-Kratz encouraged the Chamber to be flexible and open to all options for marketing Chelsea.
Steele believes a parking problem exists in some places. While Hammer agreed, he said he didn't think the destruction of the livery was a way to solve it. Martinez-Kratz commented when identifying places to create more parking, we need to ask, “At what cost?” He feels the true need for more parking is in the Purple Rose area, and that building a two storey structure should be considered.
In terms of the composition of the twelve member DDA, Fenney reported that eight members must have a business interest in the DDA district. Four can be non-business owners who live within the district. There is an application process, and the DDA members are appointed by the mayor. Criteria for appointment include a demonstration of working for the improvement of the community.. In addition to economic development, the DDA's mission includes enhancement of the historic character of the district.
The full two hours of the Forum can be viewed on channel 18.
Monday, October 19, 2009
City Council Candidate Forum--this Wednesday, Oct 21, 7 p.m.- 9p.m. Washington Street Education Center, Board Room
This is an important election for City Council. Among other civic matters, citizens have been appealing to the council to work toward a positive outcome on the Longworth property that honors Chelsea's history and historical buildings. At the last council meeting (Oct 13). Joe Merkel offered a win-win proposal: "The GOAL should be to preserve the historic, small town, feel of this community while utilizing these historic structures for modern day and future purposes...consideration in granting a 1 year stay from demolition so ALL OPTIONS may be considered. Prior to next months Council Meeting, I will commit to providing City Council a proposal with timelines for each function necessary to stay within the 1-year window. As we all know, once the buildings come down, we will not be afforded the opportunity to rethink our decision in the future. I believe, after your review of the proposal, you will be able to embrace the idea that a individual or group of people, on behalf of the city, can be appointed to work with the Livery Coalition and the Chelsea Area Historical Society to incorporate ideas in concert with planning and studies you have already completed. I do believe there is a WIN/WIN scenario that will allow the city and its’ residents a finished project that will both preserve tax revenues and enhance the historic feel of the downtown area."
Ellen Thackery, Michigan Historic Preservation Network field representative remarked: "The stock of historic buildings is one of the downtown's greatest assets. Demolishing these highly visible historic buildings flies in the face of the care that has been exercised in the past and doesn't make sense in terms of promoting the downtown’s and city’s image as a cool and historic place. Instead, I would respectfully encourage the city to market these buildings for adaptive reuse, with the requirement that the historic character be maintained."
The council received about 700 signatures in support of saving the livery, almost 500 of which are Chelsea residents.
The Council heard the appeal, and positions of council candidates on this public appeal need to be heard before the election. Don't miss this opportunity to hear responses from the candidates. There will be a one hour period to answer questions from the audience. In addition to the four candidates standing for re-election, Ann Fenney, Cheri Albertson, Kent Martinez-Kratz,and Frank Hammer, Richard Steele is also a candidate. Three seats are open. It would also be important to know what Jason Lindauer,unopposed mayoral candidate, is thinking.
In the comment area below, please write the questions you would want to ask the candidates. Better yet, come to the forum and ask the questions in person!
Ellen Thackery, Michigan Historic Preservation Network field representative remarked: "The stock of historic buildings is one of the downtown's greatest assets. Demolishing these highly visible historic buildings flies in the face of the care that has been exercised in the past and doesn't make sense in terms of promoting the downtown’s and city’s image as a cool and historic place. Instead, I would respectfully encourage the city to market these buildings for adaptive reuse, with the requirement that the historic character be maintained."
The council received about 700 signatures in support of saving the livery, almost 500 of which are Chelsea residents.
The Council heard the appeal, and positions of council candidates on this public appeal need to be heard before the election. Don't miss this opportunity to hear responses from the candidates. There will be a one hour period to answer questions from the audience. In addition to the four candidates standing for re-election, Ann Fenney, Cheri Albertson, Kent Martinez-Kratz,and Frank Hammer, Richard Steele is also a candidate. Three seats are open. It would also be important to know what Jason Lindauer,unopposed mayoral candidate, is thinking.
In the comment area below, please write the questions you would want to ask the candidates. Better yet, come to the forum and ask the questions in person!
Friday, October 16, 2009
DDA Update 10.15. & previous background
A Summary of ongoing DDA Discussions (for actual DDA minutes go to:
http://www.city-chelsea.org; choose Downtown Development; choose minutes & click on dates)
At the regular DDA meeting on Oct. 15th, copies of Joe Merkel’s letter, Ellen Thackery’s letter and the petitions were presented by the Save the Livery Coalition. No action was taken. The stay of demolition expires on Oct. 19th. However, the Jackson Street corridor Plan B with probable due process (meaning this still could mean a delay of demolition until Spring). Jim Myles presented his “Longworth Complex Development – Proposal Information and Guidelines” for consideration, including a time line to bring the process forward. City Manager Hanifan also presented Draft #1 of “Request for Proposals – Former Longworth Plating Site”. City Manager John Hanifan suspects that a developer will not take the RFP seriously if there is a parallel track with a government unit. Further discussion will take place at the November 5 meeting with a larger number of Board members present.
Last Thursday's meeting followed as a result of discussions at the DDA meeting held on Sept. 3 and Oct 1. On Sept. 3, concern was expressed about demolishing the Livery and front building and leaving it all winter without a specific plan for development. Two other remarks made on Sept. 3 were: this demolition is NOT about a parking lot and there is intent that at some point in the future, the property could be back on the tax rolls.
On Oct 1, Jim Myles read a summary of his impression of the intended plan for the corridor. There was a spirited discussion regarding going forward with the DDA “Plan B” including getting plans drawn and submitted to the Planning Commission. The conclusion was that until the Livery building is down, it is not possible to see the lot and the possibilities. There is agreement that if the Mack Building is to be used, the Livery Building has to go because without sufficient parking, redevelopment is unlikely. City Manager Hanifan was asked to prepare an RFP for qualified persons to draw potential plans for the space. Admittedly that is troublesome because without the Livery gone, it is hard to assess the state of the Mack Bldg. It was agreed that the DDA needs to keep its options open.
Written by members of the Save the Livery Coalition.
http://www.city-chelsea.org; choose Downtown Development; choose minutes & click on dates)
At the regular DDA meeting on Oct. 15th, copies of Joe Merkel’s letter, Ellen Thackery’s letter and the petitions were presented by the Save the Livery Coalition. No action was taken. The stay of demolition expires on Oct. 19th. However, the Jackson Street corridor Plan B with probable due process (meaning this still could mean a delay of demolition until Spring). Jim Myles presented his “Longworth Complex Development – Proposal Information and Guidelines” for consideration, including a time line to bring the process forward. City Manager Hanifan also presented Draft #1 of “Request for Proposals – Former Longworth Plating Site”. City Manager John Hanifan suspects that a developer will not take the RFP seriously if there is a parallel track with a government unit. Further discussion will take place at the November 5 meeting with a larger number of Board members present.
Last Thursday's meeting followed as a result of discussions at the DDA meeting held on Sept. 3 and Oct 1. On Sept. 3, concern was expressed about demolishing the Livery and front building and leaving it all winter without a specific plan for development. Two other remarks made on Sept. 3 were: this demolition is NOT about a parking lot and there is intent that at some point in the future, the property could be back on the tax rolls.
On Oct 1, Jim Myles read a summary of his impression of the intended plan for the corridor. There was a spirited discussion regarding going forward with the DDA “Plan B” including getting plans drawn and submitted to the Planning Commission. The conclusion was that until the Livery building is down, it is not possible to see the lot and the possibilities. There is agreement that if the Mack Building is to be used, the Livery Building has to go because without sufficient parking, redevelopment is unlikely. City Manager Hanifan was asked to prepare an RFP for qualified persons to draw potential plans for the space. Admittedly that is troublesome because without the Livery gone, it is hard to assess the state of the Mack Bldg. It was agreed that the DDA needs to keep its options open.
Written by members of the Save the Livery Coalition.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
City Council Meeting--10.13. can be viewed on Channel 18
During the public comments portion of the Council meeting on Oct 13, Joe Merkel & Ellen Thackery spoke about the importance of the win-win adaptive reuse of the livery at the council meeting. Jan Bernath submitted the approximately 700 signatures to save the livery--well over 400--almost 500-- were Chelsea residents. Approximately 60 people supported the speakers at the council meeting.
Statement from Joe Merkel:
Ladies and Gentleman, I come before you this evening as a voice of the
community. Prior to a week ago, I had no real concept of the course
that it appears we are on to dismantle or take down the Livery and
Mack Buildings.
Both public and private outcry, has afforded this opportunity to share
the following:
My experience in Real Estate Development, Historical Research and
Business provides me the ability to assess this situation with what I
believe to be, reasonable objectivity.
There are 2 primary ways to increase revenues in a growing community:
1) Development
2) Enhancement of the community itself. ie. attractions, tourism, and
merchant diversity.
Actually, there are 3. The 3rd way is to raise taxes and we all know
how that feels.
I am asking you to hear my voice in both a historical and business capacity.
With that said, my beliefs are:
1) Funding can be obtained for the restoration and utilization of
these buildings.
2) A plan can be formed that will meet the needs of the city, (ie.tax
rolls) and the desire for historical preservation and utilization of
these historic structures.
3) I will , volunteer my time and experience, to work with a
body/group for the specific task of designing and implementing a plan
to such regards.
4) I propose this plan be called the “Chelsea Livery Project”.
If restored/utilized, a number of value added benefits come to mind:
1) Tax revenues for the City of Chelsea are preserved/enhanced.
2) Historical Tourism- Another place for approximately 90,000. Annual
tourism/visitors to consider.
3) Permanent Chelsea Area Museum location for our long standing and
interesting heritage to be displayed and enjoyed.
--Museums that focus on the history of their community do their
communities great justice. In doing so, many families choose to call
those towns/cities home, giving this new arrival/family a part in the
rich history and a true feeling of small town America, Thus enhancing
Chelsea as a great place to raise a family. Everyone wants to fell and
be part of a community. Should we not make this a integral part of the
plan.?
If objectively approached, the plan will incorporate both the North
and South side of the tracks having a improved pedestrian crossing to
encourage traffic in both directions for business owners of the
downtown district. And a small park/sitting area along main street.
As most or all of you know, I was asked to chair the Chelsea Area Fire
Authority millage effort.
As a result of good planning, intelligent thinking and honesty with
the taxpayer’s, we were successful in our efforts. On Sunday evening,
I clearly told the Save the Livery Coalition that the only way any
plan has a chance of success is one that considers the needs of both
the city and the individuals who live there.
With that said, it is my belief that a group of intelligent and
qualified people can and will be assembled upon your granting their
desire to wait on the demolition of these buildings.
During the CAFA millage project, I knew there was strong opposition
from the majority of taxpayer’s for any increase in taxation.
Likewise, I was supremely confident that the voters would rally if
given the facts and able to see the true need for the increase. The
outcome and success of that project affords me the opportunity to go
before the community again, providing facts and rallying their support
for both tourism and the DDA. It can and will be a attractive finished
product that the city and its’ residents shall be proud of. I will not
tell you that I or any of the people who have worked toward solutions,
before me, have all of the answers at this time. I will tell you my
dedication and commitment to projects that I believe in and that I
will help to find the appropriate people, funding sources, engineers,
planners and developers in attempt to save a portion, if not all of
these historic structures.
In Summary,
The GOAL should be to preserve the historic, small town, feel of this
community while utilizing these historic structures for modern day and
future purposes.
I would like to thank the Board, in advance, for their consideration
in granting a 1 year stay from demolition so ALL OPTIONS may be
considered. Prior to next months Council Meeting, I will commit to
providing City Council a proposal with timelines for each function
necessary to stay within the 1-year window. As we all know, once the
buildings come down, we will not be afforded the opportunity to
rethink our decision in the future. I believe, after your review of
the proposal, you will be able to embrace the idea that a individual
or group of people, on behalf of the city, can be appointed to work
with the Livery Coalition and the Chelsea Area Historical Society to
incorporate ideas in concert with planning and studies you have
already completed. I do believe there is a WIN/WIN scenario that will
allow the city and its’ residents a finished project that will both
preserve tax revenues and enhance the historic feel of the downtown
area.
Statement from Ellen Thackery:
To Mayor Feeney and Members of City Council,
My name is Ellen Thackery and I am the Southeast Michigan Field Representative for two organizations—the Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. I am here tonight to advocate for the preservation and stabilization of the Livery and the other buildings from the Longworth Complex. I believe that these buildings can be and should be adaptively reused and I see that all three buildings have architectural interest, and strongly contribute to the historic character of Chelsea's business district.
Some may say, “Who cares about a livery?” and they may look at the livery’s concrete block and say that it doesn’t look like something worth keeping. I can tell you that one of the reasons I care about historic architecture is that it tells the story of a community and it provides continuity in a community. This concrete block building and its neighbors help to tell the story of the development of Chelsea, and I submit that you are lucky to have these pieces of your history still standing. Bob Christensen is the coordinator of all nominations from our state to the National Register of Historic Places. He has held this position for many, many years and he knows as much as anyone I could name about architecture throughout the state. When I asked him about the livery, he said, “The Livery Building is, to my mind, a Big Deal. Every town had its hotels and most of these hotels had livery barns. Both the hotels and the livery barns were characteristic features of business districts. Many of the barns were wooden. In any event, few of these buildings survived for long into the auto age. Chelsea's stands out not only as one of the few survivors of these buildings, but also for its substantial concrete block construction.”
Now, I know that a National Register nomination for downtown Chelsea has been completed and is waiting to be reactivated. I would encourage you to reactivate it. The National Register is an HONORARY designation—it provides almost no protection for the buildings listed on it, but it does raise awareness of your historic places for visitors and residents alike, and it provides a marketing tool for your community to attract even more heritage tourists. Further, it allows property owners to access the federal income tax credits for rehabilitating historic buildings. The federal and state rehab tax credits were created so that buildings like the livery could be adaptively reused.
I want to leave you with this: despite the fact that Chelsea’s commercial district is not listed in the National Register, it still seems to me that the business and government leaders of Chelsea have valued the historic character in Chelsea and have preserved that character over the years. The stock of historic buildings is one of the downtown's greatest assets. Demolishing these highly visible historic buildings flies in the face of the care that has been exercised in the past and doesn't make sense in terms of promoting the downtown’s and city’s image as a cool and historic place. Instead, I would respectfully encourage the city to market these buildings for adaptive reuse, with the requirement that the historic character be maintained.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Ellen Thackery
Southeast Michigan Field Representative
Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation
107 E Grand River
Lansing, MI 48906
(517) 371-8080
info@mhpn.org
Recordings of the council meetings can be viewed on Channel 18. Watch for an article in Thursday's Chelsea Standard this Thursday.
Ask the council members their position on supporting the save the livery effort as proposed by Joe Merkel and Ellen Thackery at the meeting. To communicate with city council members, please refer to the following contact list:
2009 City Council Members
Mayor, Ann Feeney (term ends 11/09)**
email: afeeney@city-chelsea.org
Home Phone: 475-1493 Work Phone: 475-1909
Jason Lindauer (term ends 11/11) (mayoral aspirations)
email: jason_lindauer@ml.com
Cheri Albertson (term ends 11/09)**
email: cheriaa@umich.edu
phone: 475-8313
Bill Holmberg (term ends 11/11)
email: holmbergwilliam@sbcglobal.net
phone: 433-9733
Rod Anderson (term ends 11/11)
email: rod.anderson@sbcglobal.net
phone: 475-5898
Kent Martinez-Kratz (term ends 11/09)**
email: kkratz@jpsmail.org
Frank Hammer (term ends 11/09)**
email: beemerguy@fastmail.fm
phone: 475-1828
Council Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings will be held at Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington Street.
Statement from Joe Merkel:
Ladies and Gentleman, I come before you this evening as a voice of the
community. Prior to a week ago, I had no real concept of the course
that it appears we are on to dismantle or take down the Livery and
Mack Buildings.
Both public and private outcry, has afforded this opportunity to share
the following:
My experience in Real Estate Development, Historical Research and
Business provides me the ability to assess this situation with what I
believe to be, reasonable objectivity.
There are 2 primary ways to increase revenues in a growing community:
1) Development
2) Enhancement of the community itself. ie. attractions, tourism, and
merchant diversity.
Actually, there are 3. The 3rd way is to raise taxes and we all know
how that feels.
I am asking you to hear my voice in both a historical and business capacity.
With that said, my beliefs are:
1) Funding can be obtained for the restoration and utilization of
these buildings.
2) A plan can be formed that will meet the needs of the city, (ie.tax
rolls) and the desire for historical preservation and utilization of
these historic structures.
3) I will , volunteer my time and experience, to work with a
body/group for the specific task of designing and implementing a plan
to such regards.
4) I propose this plan be called the “Chelsea Livery Project”.
If restored/utilized, a number of value added benefits come to mind:
1) Tax revenues for the City of Chelsea are preserved/enhanced.
2) Historical Tourism- Another place for approximately 90,000. Annual
tourism/visitors to consider.
3) Permanent Chelsea Area Museum location for our long standing and
interesting heritage to be displayed and enjoyed.
--Museums that focus on the history of their community do their
communities great justice. In doing so, many families choose to call
those towns/cities home, giving this new arrival/family a part in the
rich history and a true feeling of small town America, Thus enhancing
Chelsea as a great place to raise a family. Everyone wants to fell and
be part of a community. Should we not make this a integral part of the
plan.?
If objectively approached, the plan will incorporate both the North
and South side of the tracks having a improved pedestrian crossing to
encourage traffic in both directions for business owners of the
downtown district. And a small park/sitting area along main street.
As most or all of you know, I was asked to chair the Chelsea Area Fire
Authority millage effort.
As a result of good planning, intelligent thinking and honesty with
the taxpayer’s, we were successful in our efforts. On Sunday evening,
I clearly told the Save the Livery Coalition that the only way any
plan has a chance of success is one that considers the needs of both
the city and the individuals who live there.
With that said, it is my belief that a group of intelligent and
qualified people can and will be assembled upon your granting their
desire to wait on the demolition of these buildings.
During the CAFA millage project, I knew there was strong opposition
from the majority of taxpayer’s for any increase in taxation.
Likewise, I was supremely confident that the voters would rally if
given the facts and able to see the true need for the increase. The
outcome and success of that project affords me the opportunity to go
before the community again, providing facts and rallying their support
for both tourism and the DDA. It can and will be a attractive finished
product that the city and its’ residents shall be proud of. I will not
tell you that I or any of the people who have worked toward solutions,
before me, have all of the answers at this time. I will tell you my
dedication and commitment to projects that I believe in and that I
will help to find the appropriate people, funding sources, engineers,
planners and developers in attempt to save a portion, if not all of
these historic structures.
In Summary,
The GOAL should be to preserve the historic, small town, feel of this
community while utilizing these historic structures for modern day and
future purposes.
I would like to thank the Board, in advance, for their consideration
in granting a 1 year stay from demolition so ALL OPTIONS may be
considered. Prior to next months Council Meeting, I will commit to
providing City Council a proposal with timelines for each function
necessary to stay within the 1-year window. As we all know, once the
buildings come down, we will not be afforded the opportunity to
rethink our decision in the future. I believe, after your review of
the proposal, you will be able to embrace the idea that a individual
or group of people, on behalf of the city, can be appointed to work
with the Livery Coalition and the Chelsea Area Historical Society to
incorporate ideas in concert with planning and studies you have
already completed. I do believe there is a WIN/WIN scenario that will
allow the city and its’ residents a finished project that will both
preserve tax revenues and enhance the historic feel of the downtown
area.
Statement from Ellen Thackery:
To Mayor Feeney and Members of City Council,
My name is Ellen Thackery and I am the Southeast Michigan Field Representative for two organizations—the Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. I am here tonight to advocate for the preservation and stabilization of the Livery and the other buildings from the Longworth Complex. I believe that these buildings can be and should be adaptively reused and I see that all three buildings have architectural interest, and strongly contribute to the historic character of Chelsea's business district.
Some may say, “Who cares about a livery?” and they may look at the livery’s concrete block and say that it doesn’t look like something worth keeping. I can tell you that one of the reasons I care about historic architecture is that it tells the story of a community and it provides continuity in a community. This concrete block building and its neighbors help to tell the story of the development of Chelsea, and I submit that you are lucky to have these pieces of your history still standing. Bob Christensen is the coordinator of all nominations from our state to the National Register of Historic Places. He has held this position for many, many years and he knows as much as anyone I could name about architecture throughout the state. When I asked him about the livery, he said, “The Livery Building is, to my mind, a Big Deal. Every town had its hotels and most of these hotels had livery barns. Both the hotels and the livery barns were characteristic features of business districts. Many of the barns were wooden. In any event, few of these buildings survived for long into the auto age. Chelsea's stands out not only as one of the few survivors of these buildings, but also for its substantial concrete block construction.”
Now, I know that a National Register nomination for downtown Chelsea has been completed and is waiting to be reactivated. I would encourage you to reactivate it. The National Register is an HONORARY designation—it provides almost no protection for the buildings listed on it, but it does raise awareness of your historic places for visitors and residents alike, and it provides a marketing tool for your community to attract even more heritage tourists. Further, it allows property owners to access the federal income tax credits for rehabilitating historic buildings. The federal and state rehab tax credits were created so that buildings like the livery could be adaptively reused.
I want to leave you with this: despite the fact that Chelsea’s commercial district is not listed in the National Register, it still seems to me that the business and government leaders of Chelsea have valued the historic character in Chelsea and have preserved that character over the years. The stock of historic buildings is one of the downtown's greatest assets. Demolishing these highly visible historic buildings flies in the face of the care that has been exercised in the past and doesn't make sense in terms of promoting the downtown’s and city’s image as a cool and historic place. Instead, I would respectfully encourage the city to market these buildings for adaptive reuse, with the requirement that the historic character be maintained.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Ellen Thackery
Southeast Michigan Field Representative
Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation
107 E Grand River
Lansing, MI 48906
(517) 371-8080
info@mhpn.org
Recordings of the council meetings can be viewed on Channel 18. Watch for an article in Thursday's Chelsea Standard this Thursday.
Ask the council members their position on supporting the save the livery effort as proposed by Joe Merkel and Ellen Thackery at the meeting. To communicate with city council members, please refer to the following contact list:
2009 City Council Members
Mayor, Ann Feeney (term ends 11/09)**
email: afeeney@city-chelsea.org
Home Phone: 475-1493 Work Phone: 475-1909
Jason Lindauer (term ends 11/11) (mayoral aspirations)
email: jason_lindauer@ml.com
Cheri Albertson (term ends 11/09)**
email: cheriaa@umich.edu
phone: 475-8313
Bill Holmberg (term ends 11/11)
email: holmbergwilliam@sbcglobal.net
phone: 433-9733
Rod Anderson (term ends 11/11)
email: rod.anderson@sbcglobal.net
phone: 475-5898
Kent Martinez-Kratz (term ends 11/09)**
email: kkratz@jpsmail.org
Frank Hammer (term ends 11/09)**
email: beemerguy@fastmail.fm
phone: 475-1828
Council Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings will be held at Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington Street.
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